Can Your Pillow Cause Hand Numbness While Sleeping?

Q: Can Your Pillow Cause Hand Numbness While Sleeping?

Hello, Miss： Thank you for your inquiry. <br>I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions： <br>1. <br>Generally speaking, the dorsal aspect of the hand is innervated by the radial nerve. <br>If there are no signs of upper limb fractures or compre

Numbness in the hands

Hello, Doctor: I often wake up with numbness in the back of my left hand while sleeping.
The numb area extends from above the elbow to the fingers.
No matter how I position my left hand after waking up, the numbness persists.
I have three pillows, all of which are health pillows.
The highest one supports my neck well, but it causes the most numbness while I sleep.
The second highest pillow provides some neck support, while the soft pillow sometimes feels too low.
At times it is comfortable, but other times it is not.
Could the pillow be causing the numbness in my hand? Thank you!

Anti, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/04

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation

Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry.
I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions:
1.
Generally speaking, the dorsal aspect of the hand is innervated by the radial nerve.
If there are no signs of upper limb fractures or compression, it is usually caused by compression of the cervical nerve root at the sixth cervical vertebra.

2.
You can select the appropriate ergonomic pillow using the following method:
a.
Have one person lie flat on their back with the pillow properly positioned.
Another person should reach towards the midline of the occipital bone; it should not be easy to reach in (indicating good support).

b.
When turning to the left or right side, the spinous processes of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae should align in a straight line, indicating that the pillow provides good support.

Finally, I wish you peace and happiness!

Reply Date: 2008/01/04

More Info

Yes, your pillow can indeed contribute to hand numbness while sleeping. The relationship between your sleeping position, the type of pillow you use, and the resulting symptoms can be quite significant. When you sleep, the position of your head, neck, and shoulders can affect the alignment of your spine and the nerves that run through your arms.
In your case, it sounds like you are experiencing numbness in your left hand, particularly from the elbow to the fingers. This could be due to several factors related to your pillow and sleeping posture. If your pillow is too high or too firm, it may cause your neck to be misaligned, which can lead to compression of the nerves that innervate your arm. Specifically, the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm, and hand, can be affected. When these nerves are compressed, it can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm.

Additionally, if you sleep with your arm in an awkward position, such as under your head or body, it can also lead to nerve compression. This is often referred to as "Saturday Night Palsy," a condition where the radial nerve is compressed, leading to temporary paralysis or numbness in the arm.
To address this issue, consider the following measures:
1. Pillow Adjustment: Experiment with different types of pillows. A pillow that provides adequate support without elevating your head too much may help. Memory foam or cervical pillows are designed to maintain proper neck alignment and can be beneficial.

2. Sleeping Position: Pay attention to your sleeping position. Try to avoid sleeping on your arm or with your arm tucked under your head. Instead, sleep on your back or side with your arms in a neutral position.

3. Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your neck and shoulders into your daily routine. This can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of nerve compression.

4. Consult a Specialist: If the numbness persists, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or a physical therapist. They can perform a thorough assessment and may recommend nerve conduction studies or imaging to rule out any underlying conditions.

5. Monitor Other Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms that may arise, such as pain, weakness, or changes in sensation. This information can be crucial for your healthcare provider in determining the cause of your symptoms.

In summary, while your pillow can contribute to hand numbness during sleep, it is essential to consider your overall sleeping posture and habits. Making adjustments to your pillow and sleeping position, along with seeking professional advice if necessary, can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your sleep quality.

Similar Q&A

Morning Hand Numbness: Causes and Concerns for Neurological Health

In recent months, I have experienced numbness in the fingers of my left hand upon waking up in the morning, lasting about one minute. This symptom does not occur if I am not in a deep sleep, and it does not happen at other times. I have undergone electromyography (EMG) and nerve ...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Kim, it is unlikely that permanent neuropathy caused by improper sleeping posture will occur, as people tend to change positions frequently while sleeping. This is unless your mattress makes it difficult to move, or if you are taking a significant amount of sleeping pills an...

Nighttime Hand Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep

Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing numbness in my entire hand at night, which wakes me up. After a while, it goes away, and I can continue sleeping. During the day, I have no symptoms of hand numbness; it only occurs at night while I am sleeping. I have confirmed that I am n...

Dr. Xu Yongnan reply Rehabilitation
It is recommended to perform a neurological examination in clinical practice.

Can a Stiff Neck from Sleeping Cause Numbness in Your Hand?

Waking up with a stiff neck and experiencing persistent numbness in the left index finger raises the question of whether a stiff neck can cause hand numbness.

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
A stiff neck can indeed lead to hand numbness, but there may be other causes for the numbness as well. It is advisable to consult a neurologist, orthopedic specialist, or rehabilitation physician for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Understanding Hand Numbness and Arm Tightness: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, for the past two weeks, I have been waking up at night due to numbness in my palms. Upon waking, I notice that the sensation in my forearms becomes very dull, as if they have been compressed for a long time. However, I have confirmed that I am not sleeping with my a...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to consider symptoms related to peripheral nerve compression, as the symptoms are associated with posture. Generally speaking, during sleep, our bodies only remain still during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase; throughout th...